Free medical care offered to more than 2,000 Houstonians

Published 5:30 am, Saturday, September 26, 2009

Margo Graham, a 35-year-old heart patient, was one of the uninsured Houstonians who arrived before dawn for free medical care today in what may become the largest event of its kind in the United States.

Television physician Dr. Mehmet Oz and the National Association of Free Clinics are in Houston offering more than 2,000 people free check-ups, tests and minor procedures. The manpower is provided by more than 700 volunteers. Scenes from today's clinic will become an October episode of The Dr. Oz Show.

Graham, a new basketball coach at The Village School, had triple bypass surgery four years ago. Her insurance coverage starts on Nov. 1.

She's been stretching the prescriptions she has left — the blood thinner, cholesterol medicine and a blood pressure pill.

“Hopefully, I can get a prescription to last me until my insurance kicks in in November,” said Graham, a former center for the Washington Mystics who said she received free health care when she played overseas. “I'm just grateful that I have this opportunity.”

Inside Reliant Center, patients are greeted by two recreational vehicles converted to mobile emergency rooms. Behind the vehicles, PVC and cloth are arranged for rows of exam rooms.

Dr. Mehmet Oz, dashing around in dark blue scrubs, said he hopes that patients leave with a sense that someone cares about the uninsured and that there are places to go for free health care.

Oz called the more than 40 million uninsured Americans “a national catastrophe … but one that we can engage and actually embrace and probably overcome.”

Texas has the nation's highest uninsured rate and one in every three Harris county adults lacks health insurance. More than 4 million Americans receive care from the nation's free clinics.

“Part of the goal today is to make it clear that there are Americans here who will help those who need the help,” Oz said. “There are ways of supporting those who do not have health care coverage. We need to create a system where all of us can be part of it.”

The cardiac surgeon, who gained popularity as a regular guest on The Oprah Winfrey Show, also congratulated the hundreds of medical personnel who donated their time.

“Katrina … was the last time that the medical services of Houston were mobilized to this extent,” Oz continued. “We're not going to cure all 2,000 people who have come today, but we are going to be able to provide continuity of care for everybody who comes here … so they can access clinics near them.”

Patients told stories of their barriers to health care: Insurance loss after layoffs, premiums that became too high to pay and being underinsured — having coverage, but not enough money to pay deductibles and co-payments.

Karen Coney was the first patient, arriving in the dark just before 5 a.m.

The Missouri City mother of seven has five minor children at home — all of whom have asthma.

“I wanted to make sure that I was first in line. I'm a single mom and I have a lot to do today,” said Coney, 47, an HISD substitute teacher who canceled her health insurance because she couldn't afford the premiums. She's having colon problems and hasn't had an exam in a year.

“I knew I needed to see the doctor and I didn't know where to go,” she said. “It's an answer to prayer.”

Elayne Hutchens, brought a typed letter to Oz about her years of serious health problems, including a heart attack.

The 47-year-old's liver has caused her belly to swell large enough to prompt pregnancy inquiries. She also has heart and pancreas trouble.

“I need a miracle. I don't know if I'll make it to 50.”

A technician performed an EKG and Oz listened to her heart.

“It was just wonderful,” Hutchens said. “He is going to be talking to my cardiologist on Monday regarding all my medical problems.”

Oz said some of the first few patients had serious health problems.

“Elayne was a good example of someone who had been around the health care system. She's lucky in some ways because she's been able to get help from some good doctors, but she's got a complicated story and she's just seeking help,” the doctor said after her exam.

Her also took a look at Coney.

“She's working,” Oz said. “Although her kids are covered through a state assistance program, she doesn't get coverage. And she's got health problems — big health problems that need to be addressed.”

cindy.george@chron.com

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